A Dog’s Wish For Us at Christmas

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.” – Milan Kundera

As dog keepers and lovers of dogs know – dogs never really rest. They’re always busy. Even when sleeping, they’re dreaming of who knows what, often times crying or moaning through their dreams.

When awake, they’re out doing what they do best…sniffing, pooping, peeing, looking for treats and their next meal, and then at all other times, looking towards their keepers – to those whom they love – wondering how to love them more.

The resident canine here, and master of the Asylum, Sir Henry, was a stray dog, roaming along the roads of New Mexico, before some loving human soul rescued him, and he then made the journey to the state we live in to be adopted.

It’s always “by chance” it seems, that these creatures of pure love make their way to our homes, and ask for so little, save for maybe food, a semi-comfortable space to lay their heads and the most important thing to them, a home to give us their love.

They don’t take to disharmony; shy away from harshness, from anger, from resentment, jealousy and dread…instead, opting for an open heart, willing to allow them to love.

As best as I can surmise, their Christmas wish is quite simple – giving those within their reach, the unconditional love in their hearts, along with a quiet hope that we might pass along their love to others.

Henry has yet to meet someone he doesn’t want to give his love to, and is only truly happy when those of us at the asylum are also happy. And we are – because of this blessed creature we were lucky enough to have found.

“The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven not man’s.” ~ Mark Twain

Sadly, what humans have come to equate love to, is becoming light years away from the dogs enchanting, truthful and beautiful love they have within them…that they give to all those willing to accept.

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May each of you and yours have a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a year ahead of what our lovable canines want for us humans – our willingness to accept and give love…unconditionally – just as they do.

Henry looks like the sweetest dog in the world (except Alo of course) in that first shot. I feel so honored to have Alo in my life. He had it really, really rough for his first 6 weeks before he found me. I hope he doesn’t remember it but I think he does and that is what makes him so sweet and so lovable. Half the dog-walkers in the neighborhood frequently pass our back fence and give him treats. I don’t think many of my neighbors would even talk to me if it wasn’t for him. Thank the gods I am old and he is young.